Water cleanup is a process that normally follows water damage. Water can cause a lot of damage when it gets into a place where it is not wanted. Apart from damaging your valuable possessions, it can also destroy your house. Water can also lower the value of your property.
As such, it is important to act quickly by taking the most appropriate measures to get all of that unwanted water out of your home. Some items, such as electronics, can be completely damaged by water. However, acting quickly is very important because there might be some furniture and other items that can be salvaged.
Water Cleanup: Water damage
Water damage can be classified into three categories.
These are:
Clean water
This water damage can be due to water from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or overflowing appliances. Such water can cause damage to a home and cleaning up such water is easy. Nevertheless, this water should be cleaned up efficiently to prevent fungus and mold from growing in a house.
Gray water
This is damage that is caused by slightly contaminated water either due to the source or for remaining unattended for a long time. Such water includes water from a washing machine or overflowing toilet since it stays for some time without being used. If clean water is not treated, it can also become gray. Gray water is dangerous due to the presence of microbes in it and cleaning it up requires one to wear gloves.
Blackwater
Water damage that is caused by black water is very hazardous. This includes water damage that is caused by backup, sewer damage, or natural disaster water. This water is most cases has toxic materials, chemicals, bacterial diseases, and pesticides among other hazardous elements. When you have such water in your house, it is advisable to enlist a professional water clean-up service.
The Water cleanup process
Water cleanup is a process with steps that you should follow to ensure the safety and success of the process.
These steps are as follows:
1. Contact your insurer
If you have home insurance that covers water damage, you will be informed by the insurer when it will send an adjuster. It is also important that you take photos, video, or list the damage before, during, and after cleaning up water in your home. This is because while filing insurance claims complete records will be needed. You will also need the records while applying for tax deductions and disaster assistance.
2. Disconnect power, unplug and remove electronics movable items, and furniture immediately.
It is advisable to get these items out of your house in the fastest way possible during the water cleanup process. This is very important because it enables you to save items that may still not be damaged by the water. Electronics should be the first items to move after turning off power in the affected places. This is very important especially if the water level has reached the electrical outlets or sockets. Remove carpets and underpinning.
3. Get rid of water
You can remove water from your house in different ways. If there is no power or you do not want to risk it due to electrical wires, you can get rid of water manually during the water cleanup process. This entails using old towels, mops, and buckets to fetch water from the house and draining it out. You can pour the water down the drain if the sewers are not backed up. However, if the sewers are backed up you can pour the water on the lawn or permeable surfaces. You can also use a dry or wet vacuum. However, you should be careful when plugging it into the power outlets. Avoid using extension cords because they can give a nasty shock. If you are overwhelmed by the flooded area or basement, consider renting a sump pump is available in your local rentals.
4. Dry water out
After getting rid of water in your house, it is important to ensure that it is completely dry. You can use a dehumidifier and fans to dry out the home when performing water cleanup. If it is no longer raining, open the windows so that air can circulate freely. This will enhance faster drying. If the drywalls were also affected, you can cut some of the affected areas because the drywall can crumble. Paper backing of the drywall also facilitates mold growth. Therefore, trim it to remove the areas that were affected by water.
It is also advisable to disinfect the dried-out areas such as wood beams, drywall, and insulation. This will eliminate bacteria that may have been carried by the water from the toilets and sewers. Additionally, you should apply consortium to prevent mold growth in the affected areas.
5. Dispose of the damaged items properly
It is advisable to dispose of the damaged items properly because this will help in alleviating pressure in the local landfill. You can visit websites that provide guidance for disposing or recycling such items. You can also visit the waste management site of your city to find out whether there are recommended centers where you can take your damaged items.
After a water cleanup process, you should ensure continuous ventilation in your home. This is because it might take some time before the affected areas of your home dry out completely. Therefore, keep windows open and fans running when possible. This is important because it also prevents mold from growing in your home. If the water was contaminated, it also helps in eliminating the odor.
Nevertheless, whether you have suffered flood damage or you left your home only to find it flooded due to a damaged or leaking pipe, it is important to clean it immediately. When doing this, you should take appropriate precautionary measures. There are many online sources that provide guidance on how the process of getting rid of water should be carried out. For more information and guidance on how to conduct the water cleanup process visit websites that offer such solutions.
